Legoland

I wanted to have one last excursion with Charlie (mommy-Charlie solo time as he puts it) before he heads back to school. We made this a mommy-Charlie-Pops solo time trip and he joined us as we went on an adventure to Legoland! We watched a two 3D movies, rode on a couple rides and spent time building Lego cars to race down the tracks. Charlie had a blast and seeing the big smile on my face always makes me happy!

Escaping

Today, I walked into the dining room to see Evy trying to push her body under the gate and escape to the basement. It looks like we are going to have another daredevil on our hands.

Pool Time

We broke out the patio pool today so the kids could enjoy the beautiful weather and they both loved it. Both Evy and Charlie were probably fish in a past life, I have never known a  kid to love the water more than them. 

                                        

                                                                                      (Evy crawling into the sun)

       (Bucket Head)

                                                    

(Bucket head and his sister)

                                                 

(Evy being silly)

Evy's Funny Face

Charlie had a funny face that he would make for the camera and it emerged just before his second birthday. Evy found her funny face a little sooner and loves the reaction she gets when t shows!

(Flashback to Charlie's funny face)

(Those are teeth and goldfish!)

(She loves making people laugh)

Evy Babbling

Evy loves the slide, it is easily her favorite toy in our house. She likes to climb up it and then slide down on her belly. It's adorable and scares me to death. I couldn't get her to slide, but her "talking" had to be shared.

Firehouse Visit

Today, we went to visit Cousin Mike at his new firehouse. He was just relocated to a house on Ashland and Division that was built 10  years after the Chicago Fire, so it is old and includes things like an old fashioned fire pole. Charlie really loved the fire pole, in fact, he made a daring escape when we turned our backs and ran upstairs to attempt the fire pole himself. Luckily between Cousin Mike and another firefighter Charlie safely made in back downstairs! I think they were happy to see us leave. 

Jump! Jump!

Today I took Charlie to a place where he could literally jump off the walls. This converted warehouse had 3 courts for just jumping, two dodge ball courts and a foam pit. Charlie had a blast and I have videos and pictures to prove it.

Sliding with Charlie

Charlie and Evy were having some fun on the slide today...a little scary, but she seemed happy in the end.

Spaghetti Night!

Someone really enjoyed her dinner!

Eli's Cheesecake Factory

Today we went to Eli's Cheesecake Factory for what was supposed to be a tour...well it was a 30 minute power point presentation which is not fun for most adults and terrible for all kids. My plan backfired, however we did try 3 delicious cheesecake samples and took a few pictures, so it wasn't a total loss. 

Scavenger Hunt

Evy seemed to be feeling better and Charlie needed some time out of the house so we headed to North Park for a scavenger hunt (who doesn't wear a top hat on a scavenger hunt?). Charlie found and checked off everything on our list and we even saw a deer! Nature, a picnic and a deer -- doesn't get much better than that!

                                 

                                 

Monkey See Monkey Do

These two are going to be trouble!

Learning Balance

Charlie was practicing on his balance bike today, he's on a roll and is going to be ready for a pedal bike in no time!

My King!

Charlie really wanted a crown from Burger King so I gave in and we went for lunch. Now that I have this picture, it was totally worth it!

Lincoln Park Zoo

The middle of August, but it felt more like a fall day in October. We braved the rain and the 65 degree temperatures to go to the zoo with our friends. Charlie had a blast hanging out with Keegan and Evy got to catch up with Nora and Josie!

Dinosaur Train

Charlie invented his own Dinosaur train today and we was so proud!

Mommy Charlie Time

I try to spend one on one time with Charlie as often as I can. Today, Matt wanted to watch the end of golf after dinner so Charlie and I went to the frozen yogurt store. I think Charlie prefers frozen yogurt to golf, don't tell Matt!

Field Museum

After waiting in line for 25 minutes to get inside the Shedd Aquarium we decided to detour to the Field Museum. Charlie and Brendan loved the dinosaur bones and the other animal exhibits. With two rambunctious boys and two baby girls it was an fun, but exhausting day!

(The boys in front of Sue)

(Waiting in line at the Shedd)

(Evy crawling in a dinosaur foot print)

Field Trip - Glenview Farm

We all needed fresh air after being trapped inside the house for the past few days an illness that refuses to go away. We couldn't go far since Evy was not 100% yet so we headed to a nearby farm. The farm was in Glenview about 20 minutes from our house and it was perfect. Charlie got to run around, play on a few tractors, see some animals and finish the afternoon with ice cream.

(Charlie feeding his new friend)

(He's outta here!) 

(No more pictures mom!) 

(Happy Evy laughing at her brother)

(City kid getting a taste of farm living)

(Evy's exploring the horse and buggy)

(Twins!) 

Best Picture Ever!

Matt and Charlie played dress up today....no other words needed!